Current Weather in Chicago:
Current temperature: 9 °C (48 °F) Feels like: 6 °C (43 °F) due to windchill Conditions: Clear Wind: 19 km/h from the south UV index: 0 (low)
Tonight:
- Temperature: around 8 °C (46 °F)
- Conditions: Clear
- Rain: No rain expected
Tomorrow:
- High: 12 °C (54 °F)
- Low: 8 °C (46 °F)
- Conditions: Mostly cloudy
- Rain chance: Good chance of rain from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am
Additional details:
- There is a very slight chance of rain today, but the forecast is clear for tonight.
- The UV index is low today, so there is minimal risk of sunburn.
- The wind is blowing from the south at 19 km/h.
- Chicago Climate: A Humid Continental Mix
- Summer in Chicago: Hot & Humid with Thundershowers
- Fall in Chicago: Pleasant & Colorful with Dry Skies
- Winter in Chicago: Cold & Snowy with Lake Effect Snow
- Spring in Chicago: Mild & Wet with Windy Days
- Chicago’s Average Temperature: 51.4°F (10.8°C)
- Chicago’s Annual Precipitation: 35.8 Inches (909 mm)
- Extreme Weather: Blizzards, Heat Waves, & Floods
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
Chicago Climate: A Humid Continental Mix
Chicago is located in the heart of the Midwestern United States, and its climate is characterized as a humid continental climate, also known as a warm-summer continental climate. This means that Chicago experiences four distinct seasons, each with its own unique weather patterns.
Here are some key characteristics of Chicago’s climate:
- Hot and humid summers: Averages in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (30°C) and can reach into the 90s Fahrenheit (32°C). Rainfall is common in the summer, but usually in the form of short, heavy thunderstorms.
- Pleasant falls: Averages in the mid-60s Fahrenheit (18°C), with crisp mornings and evenings. The leaves of the many deciduous trees change color, creating a beautiful display of reds, oranges, and yellows.
- Cold and snowy winters: Averages in the mid-20s Fahrenheit (-4°C), with frequent snowfall. The city receives an average of 37 inches (94 cm) of snow per year, and temperatures can dip below 0°F (-18°C).
- Mild and wet springs: Averages in the mid-50s Fahrenheit (13°C), with occasional rain showers and thunderstorms. Spring can be a windy season, with gusts exceeding 30 mph (48 km/h).
- Lake effect snow: When cold air moves over the relatively warmer waters of Lake Michigan, it can pick up moisture and create localized snowstorms. This is especially common on the south and east sides of the city.
- Tornadoes: While not as common as in other parts of the United States, tornadoes can occur in Chicago. The city averages about one tornado per year.
- Extreme weather: Chicago is no stranger to extreme weather events, such as blizzards, heat waves, and floods. In recent years, the city has also experienced more frequent and intense storms.
Summer in Chicago: Hot & Humid with Thundershowers
Summers in Chicago are hot and humid, with average temperatures in the mid-80s Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) and occasional highs reaching into the 90s Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius). The city is also known for its frequent thunderstorms, which can bring heavy rain, strong winds, and even hail.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect during summer in Chicago:
Temperature:
- Average highs: 82°F (28°C)
- Average lows: 64°F (18°C)
- Occasional highs in the 90s Fahrenheit (32°C)
Precipitation:
- Average rainfall: 7.8 inches (198 mm)
- Frequent thunderstorms, often in the afternoon or evening
- Occasional heavy rain showers
Humidity:
- High humidity levels, making the air feel warm and sticky
- Dew points often in the 70s Fahrenheit (20s Celsius)
Other weather features:
- Sunny days are common, but afternoon thunderstorms can be frequent
- The wind can be strong, especially during thunderstorms
- The UV index is high, so be sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing
Tips for enjoying summer in Chicago:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
- Wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing made from natural fibers
- Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going outdoors
- Seek shade during the hottest part of the day
- Be aware of the weather forecast and be prepared for thunderstorms
Fall in Chicago: Pleasant & Colorful with Dry Skies
Fall in Chicago is a delightful time of year, characterized by pleasant temperatures, vibrant fall foliage, and crisp, dry air. Here’s what to expect during this beautiful season:
Temperature:
- Average highs: 60°F (16°C)
- Average lows: 42°F (6°C)
- Gradual decrease in temperatures as the season progresses
Precipitation:
- Average rainfall: 3.9 inches (100 mm)
- Less frequent rain compared to summer and spring
- Mostly sunny and dry days
Foliage:
- The leaves of many trees change color to stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow.
- Peak foliage typically occurs in late October or early November.
- Popular spots to view the foliage include Lincoln Park, Garfield Park Conservatory, and the Morton Arboretum.
Other weather features:
- Sunny days are common, with occasional cloudy periods
- The wind can be strong at times, especially in November
- The UV index is lower than summer but still important to be mindful of
Winter in Chicago: Cold & Snowy with Lake Effect Snow
Winter in Chicago is a season of extremes, characterized by cold temperatures, frequent snowfall, and the occasional lake-effect snowstorm. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
Temperature:
- Average highs: 28°F (-2°C)
- Average lows: 15°F (-9°C)
- Occasional dips into the single digits Fahrenheit (below -17°C)
Precipitation:
- Average snowfall: 37 inches (94 cm)
- Frequent snowfalls, particularly in January and February
- Lake-effect snow can bring additional heavy snowfalls, especially along the lakefront and south side of the city.
Other weather features:
- Sunny days are less common, with mostly cloudy or overcast skies
- The wind can be strong and biting, creating a windchill effect
- The UV index is very low, with limited risk of sunburn
Tips for enjoying winter in Chicago:
- Dress warmly in layers to protect yourself from the cold
- Wear boots with good traction to navigate icy and snowy sidewalks
- Be aware of the windchill factor and stay indoors during extreme cold spells
- Use public transportation or ride-sharing services if driving conditions are poor
- Take advantage of winter activities, such as ice skating, sledding, and snowshoeing
Spring in Chicago: Mild & Wet with Windy Days
Spring in Chicago is a season of transition, marked by gradually warming temperatures, blooming flowers, and unpredictable weather. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect:
Temperature:
- Average highs: 54°F (12°C)
- Average lows: 36°F (2°C)
- Temperatures gradually increase throughout the season
Precipitation:
- Average rainfall: 4.2 inches (107 mm)
- Rain showers and thunderstorms are common
- Some days can be quite windy, especially in April
Other weather features:
- Sunny days become more frequent as the season progresses
- The wind can be strong, especially in April
- The UV index starts to increase, requiring sun protection
Tips for enjoying spring in Chicago:
- Dress in layers to accommodate the changing temperatures
- Carry an umbrella or raincoat for unexpected rain showers
- Be aware of the wind chill factor and dress accordingly
- Take advantage of the increasing daylight hours to spend time outdoors
- Visit parks and gardens to admire the blooming flowers and greenery
Chicago's Average Temperature: 51.4°F (10.8°C)
Average temperature is 51.4°F (10.8°C). This makes Chicago a continental climate city, with four distinct seasons: a hot and humid summer, a pleasant and colorful fall, a cold and snowy winter, and a mild and wet spring.
Here is a breakdown of Chicago’s average temperature by season:
- Summer: The average temperature in Chicago during the summer is 75°F (24°C).
- Fall: The average temperature in Chicago during the fall is 52°F (11°C).
- Winter: The average temperature in Chicago during the winter is 29°F (-2°C).
- Spring: The average temperature in Chicago during the spring is 47°F (8°C).
Chicago’s average temperature can vary depending on the specific location within the city. For example, areas near Lake Michigan tend to be cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter than areas further inland.
Here are some additional facts about Chicago’s climate:
- The highest temperature ever recorded in Chicago was 105°F (41°C) on July 24, 1934.
- The lowest temperature ever recorded in Chicago was -27°F (-33°C) on January 20, 1930.
- Chicago averages about 37 inches (94 cm) of snowfall per year.
- Chicago experiences an average of 42 thunderstorms per year.
- Chicago has a Köppen climate classification of Dfa, which means it has a hot summer continental climate.
Chicago's Annual Precipitation: 35.8 Inches (909 mm)
Chicago’s annual precipitation is 35.8 inches (909 mm). This amount of precipitation is distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, with slightly more rain in the spring and summer months. The precipitation in Chicago comes in the form of rain, snow, and sleet.
Here is a breakdown of Chicago’s annual precipitation by season:
- Spring: The average precipitation in Chicago during the spring is 9.7 inches (246 mm).
- Summer: The average precipitation in Chicago during the summer is 11.1 inches (282 mm).
- Fall: The average precipitation in Chicago during the fall is 8.7 inches (221 mm).
- Winter: The average precipitation in Chicago during the winter is 6.3 inches (160 mm).
The source of Chicago’s precipitation is the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes are a large body of water that act as a reservoir for moisture. When the air over the Great Lakes warms up, it can hold more moisture. This moisture is then carried by the wind and eventually falls as precipitation over Chicago.
The amount of precipitation that Chicago receives can vary from year to year. For example, in 2020, Chicago received 41.7 inches (1,059 mm) of precipitation, while in 2021, Chicago received only 30.0 inches (762 mm) of precipitation.
Here are some additional facts about Chicago’s precipitation:
- The wettest month on record in Chicago was July 1912, with 13.45 inches (342 mm) of precipitation.
- The driest month on record in Chicago was February 1875, with only 0.20 inches (5 mm) of precipitation.
- Chicago averages about 146 days with measurable precipitation per year.
Extreme Weather: Blizzards, Heat Waves, & Floods
While Chicago enjoys four distinct seasons, it is also susceptible to various extreme weather events, including:
Blizzards:
- Chicago experiences an average of one blizzard per year, typically between December and February.
- Blizzards are characterized by heavy snowfall (over 12 inches in 24 hours), strong winds (over 35 mph), and low visibility.
- These storms can cause power outages, transportation disruptions, and dangerous travel conditions.
Heat Waves:
- Heat waves, defined as periods of excessively hot weather lasting for several days, are becoming more frequent and intense in Chicago due to climate change.
- During heat waves, temperatures can soar into the 90s or even 100s Fahrenheit, often accompanied by high humidity.
- These conditions can lead to heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and other health problems, especially for vulnerable populations.
Floods:
- Chicago is susceptible to flooding from heavy rain, snowmelt, and rising lake levels.
- Flash floods can occur quickly and pose significant threats to life and property.
- River flooding can also be a risk, particularly along the Chicago River and its tributaries.
Other Extreme Weather Events:
- Tornadoes: While less common than in other parts of the country, tornadoes can occur in Chicago, especially during the spring and early summer months.
- Thunderstorms: Chicago experiences an average of 42 thunderstorms per year, which can produce strong winds, hail, and heavy rain.
- Ice storms: These storms can cause widespread power outages and hazardous driving conditions.
Preparing for Extreme Weather:
- Stay informed about weather forecasts and warnings issued by the National Weather Service.
- Have an emergency plan and kit ready in case of power outages or evacuations.
- Be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions during extreme weather events.
Conclusion
Chicago’s climate is a fascinating blend of hot and cold, wet and dry, calm and windy. This diversity creates four distinct seasons, each with its own unique characteristics and challenges.
Here are some key takeaways about Chicago’s weather:
- Humid continental climate: Chicago experiences hot and humid summers, pleasant and colorful falls, cold and snowy winters, and mild and wet springs.
- Average temperature: 51.4°F (10.8°C)
- Average annual precipitation: 35.8 inches (909 mm)
- Extreme weather events: blizzards, heat waves, floods, tornadoes, thunderstorms, and ice storms
While Chicago’s weather can be unpredictable and sometimes challenging, it also contributes to the city’s unique character and charm. Whether you enjoy basking in the summer sun, marveling at the fall foliage, embracing the winter wonderland, or experiencing the spring’s fresh air, Chicago’s weather has something to offer everyone.
Remember to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and take precautions when necessary to ensure your safety and well-being.
FAQs
- Chicago has a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons.
he average annual temperature in Chicago is 51.4°F (10.8°C).
- Chicago receives an average of 35.8 inches (909 mm) of precipitation per year.
